Four days of INTERMODELLBAU. That was four days of amazement, learning, touching, doing and making. Four days of excitement, action and product presentations in a total of six exhibition halls. And above all, four days of enthusiasm. Because that was written on the faces of the participants at INTERMODELLBAU 2025. The multifaceted miniature world of the world's largest trade fair of its kind attracted curious visitors from Germany and abroad from 10 to 13 April, who learned about the latest products and techniques from international exhibitors and soaked up a wealth of inspiration. And in a variety of ways: at rousing demonstrations and shows, informative seminars and workshops, or simply by exchanging ideas with like-minded people and associations that showed the full range of their work – across all model-making sectors.

Dortmund, 14 April 2025 – Tens of thousands of models were on display in halls 3 to 8. There was also a diverse programme that appealed to everyone: from professional tinkerers to model-making novices, from old to young. ‘With its unique mix of product presentation, expert input, model show and hands-on programme, INTERMODELLBAU has once again not only united generations this year, but also all branches of model making and modelling. This emphasises the importance of the fair for this industry,’ explained Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe. ’With its diverse and international range, it has established itself as a unique platform for inspiration and exchange, enabling everyone involved to set the course for the future together – from dealers and manufacturers to clubs and associations to individual tinkerers. They have all shown, multidisciplinary, how much the industry is opening up: to new ideas, to new target groups and to inspiration from very different areas. Further development is only possible in this way. And I am delighted that it is precisely this further development that begins here in the exhibition halls.’

Managing Director Steffen Kahnt also summed up for the German Federal Association of Toy Retailers (BVS): ‘INTERMODELLBAU inspires with a unique mix of technology, imagination and fascination. Whether nostalgic railway worlds or smart RC racers – every fan will find their personal highlight here.’

Satisfaction among visitors and exhibitors

‘We are particularly pleased that INTERMODELLBAU has grown again this year,’ said Sabine Loos. ’We were able to increase both the number of exhibitors and the exhibition space compared to last year. I am delighted that we were able to present our visitors with an incredible range of companies, clubs and associations.’ The mood among the exhibitors was correspondingly positive: in the independent exhibitor survey, a total of around 84 per cent of the approximately 380 exhibiting companies already stated that they wanted to be represented at INTERMODELLBAU again next year.

The mood among visitors was similarly positive. Almost 90 per cent are already planning their visit to INTERMODELLBAU 2026. This year, the fair once again attracted a wide audience: from experienced model builders to newcomers and those returning to the hobby, as well as children, young people and, of course, families. And not only from Germany, but also from beyond its borders – for example, from neighbouring European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, France, Sweden, Denmark and Greece, as well as from the UK and even Japan. Overall, the proportion of foreign visitors was around 13 per cent.

Associations and organisations about the highlights of the trade fair

INTERMODELLBAU would not be the same without the dedication of clubs and associations. Model-making enthusiasts from all sectors present themselves at the fair every year to provide insights into their work and, of course, impressions of the results of this work. Whether it was through exhibition areas, varied shows and races on land, water or in the air, or the presentation of exciting dioramas, models and demonstration layouts – in the Dortmund exhibition halls, they shaped the colourful image and, above all, the colourful programme, alongside the product presentations of international companies.

In Hall 3, the German Model Aviation Association (DMFV) presented itself in the large flight area, among other things, with action-packed shows. Every hour, the DMFV pilots demonstrated their skills in the air – including dedicated young people from the JUMP! youth organisation, who were in no way inferior to their adult colleagues. Marcel Möcking, responsible for the association's trade fair and event management, sees the association's goals fulfilled: ‘This year, we wanted to put our youth programme at the forefront of our trade fair appearance, and we have been very successful in doing so. Above all, it has been very well received by visitors to the fair. Our stand was very well attended and we were able to introduce many school classes to model flying, who, for example, took advantage of our handicrafts or flight simulator. We are absolutely satisfied.’

Next to the large water basin, Dieter Matysik, Senior President of Nauticus e.V., was also satisfied: ‘INTERMODELLBAU was once again a highlight for model builders from all sectors and, above all, from all age groups. Our demonstrations at the water basin attracted numerous visitors again and made the eyes of young and old shine. Our highlights, such as the offshore wind power platform, the Titanic in 1:100 scale or the impressive model of a Roman galley, were particularly well received. Every year, the INTERMODELLBAU brings generations together, and I'm very happy to see that.’

The action on the race track of the German Minicar Club in Hall 5 also brought generations together. Monika Geistmann, 1st Chairwoman of the Minicar Club Dortmund e.V.: ‘We are satisfied with our appearance at the fair. We were able to welcome many interested visitors and the fair is always a highlight for our drivers. They have all already noted the new date for next year in their calendars. Our youngest racing participants are six years old – this is how we promote young talent, and it is extremely important for our sport. We can see that the elaborate preparations for our appearance at INTERMODELLBAU, especially for the race course, have paid off. Because the drivers are happy. And they are looking forward to taking part in important races here, including the Sportkreis championships. Points are awarded for these races for the German championship.’

A wide range of attractions drew numerous model railway enthusiasts to Halls 4 and 7

One association even expanded its involvement this year: the National Association of German Railway Friends (BDEF) brought several clubs with their demonstration layouts to Dortmund and offered not only plenty of space for youth work but also for events in its exhibition area in Hall 7. The chairman of the board, Michael Krumm, sums it up: ‘We really experienced a great fair with many highlights on our association's area. The dioramas, which were on display at our stand as part of the “eisenbahn magazin” magazine competition, attracted many visitors. But the large area for young people with the “Gleis 5” and the “JuniorCollegeEuropa” was also very well received and it really paid off to combine these offers. We were also able to celebrate the “Goldenes Gleis” award together with the Verlagsgruppe Bahn. We are very grateful to the companies that have supported our offers here, but above all, we are very happy about the support from the young generation: students from the Thomas-Mann-Gymnasium in Stutensee did a great job here and really embraced the promotion of young talent.’

Markus Peschel, treasurer of the BDEF, added: ‘We have had many important discussions at the trade fair – with our members, who have the chance to meet us in person here, but also with interested parties. We have even been able to attract some new members. We expressed our special thanks to the eight associations that presented their layouts at the trade fair during a small get-together. They were all very satisfied with their presentation. Overall, there was a nice and, above all, diverse selection of demonstration layouts. Combined with a balanced mix of manufacturers and dealers. This shows that the INTERMODELLBAU is still an incredibly strong trade fair.’

Show layouts with exciting details sometimes caused ‘traffic jams’ in the aisles

More than 30 show layouts of various track gauges and sizes were spread across Halls 4 and 7, the home of model railway enthusiasts, this year. Sometimes it was almost impossible to get through the aisles because there were so many exciting details and interactive features for model railway enthusiasts to discover. They therefore stood in front of the layouts in several rows, marvelling, taking pictures and engaging in technical discussions with the builders – members of dedicated clubs and associations, but also individual model railway enthusiasts. Among those presenting German premieres were Dietmar Allekotte, Jörg Krause (on De Bimmlbahner), M.S.C. Kempen, MBF Maifeld e.V., GermaNTRAK e.V. and IG Modellbahn Essen from Germany, MTD Treinenclub and ModelspoorKlub van de Kust from Belgium, Peter and Anna Holzner from Switzerland and Spor1 Sjaelland from Denmark.

The areas offering model railway enthusiasts additional knowledge input were also well attended: because the range of seminars on railway modelling has been in high demand in recent years, a cooperation with GeraMond Media GmbH ensured an expansion at this edition of the fair. In addition to the proven seminar area in Hall 4, the workshop area in Hall 7 offered plenty of opportunities for a ‘deep dive’ into topics such as choosing the right hand controller, controlling model railways using an app, and even how to successfully work with young people in a railway club. After the informative lectures and workshops, there was plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded people at the newly created ‘Modellbahn meeting point’. Many model railway enthusiasts gratefully took advantage of this to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the fair.

Exhibitors brought many exciting innovations to Dortmund

But of course, the top exhibitors also ensured a well-rounded trade fair experience by enabling model-making fans to see, touch and test product innovations and innovative technologies live – some for the first time. For companies, it was an unrivalled opportunity to get important feedback on their products and, above all, to engage directly with their target group. This is only possible at trade fairs! The first day of the fair kicked off with a highlight for model railway enthusiasts and metal fans alike: Wolfrad Bächle, Managing Director of Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH, travelled in person to present two new highlights. The CIWL Edelweiß train in 1 gauge and the AC/DC Rock n Roll Train attracted a real rush of visitors to the stand in Hall 4, so that it was almost impossible to get past the company's stand.

But Märklin was not alone in this. For example, the Car System Digital system with new features and the model of the ‘Meidericher Hüttenwerk’ blast furnace plant in 1:87 scale also attracted a lot of attention – both were on display at the Gebr. FALLER GmbH stand. The realistic CarMotion vehicles from Viessmann Modelltechnik GmbH and the unique Unimog U423 road-rail vehicle in H0 from Wolfgang Lemke GmbH also attracted a lot of interest.

And some exhibitors had come up with something very special to mark a very specific anniversary: the Westfalenhallen will be 100 years old in 2025. This must also be celebrated at INTERMODELLBAU, which has been an integral part of the company's history since 1979. And so, in the DMFV flight area in Hall 3, a Jump Racer in a 100th anniversary design repeatedly soared through the air – with a 100th anniversary banner in tow. On the nearby water basin, on the other hand, an individually designed birthday cake even became a floating object and glided through the water behind the miniature ships. In Hall 5, Siegfried Neumärker presented his replica of the exhibition centre, including the Westfalenhalle, which he built in minute detail on a scale of 1:600.

As is well known, after the show is always before the show. That's why anticipation for INTERMODELLBAU 2026 is already building. The date has been set: model-making enthusiasts can already mark 16 to 19 April in their calendars.

INTERMODELLBAU 2025: Voices from the industry

Eric-Michael Peschel, Head of Event Marketing, Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH:

"We are already looking forward to INTERMODELLBAU 2026. It was another great trade fair this year. The trade fair team did a really good job: There was a great selection of display layouts, I really liked the placement of the stands - overall, the industry can present itself well here. And that attracts an international clientele. Our special highlight was of course the presentation of the AC/DC Rock n Roll Train and the "Edelweiss" in gauge 1 on the first day of the fair. The event, which was hosted by Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, and our Managing Director Wolfrad Bächle, attracted around 500 people who gathered around the stand. It was simply fantastic.”

Oliver Kist, Marketing Assistant, TAMIYA-CARSON Modellbau GmbH & Co. KG:

"The trade fair was a great success for us - a fantastic opportunity to put our brand in the spotlight, as there was an impressive overlap with other sectors at INTERMODELLBAU. We were particularly excited about the opportunity to present our new products and feel the pulse of the industry. For us, the exchange with our customers took center stage. It was great to see what really inspires the world of model making. A big thank you also goes to the organization, which ensured a smooth process and excellent teamwork."

Markus Berlinski, owner, Modellbau & Lokschuppen Berlinski e.K.:

"From ships, model trains, airplanes and drones to racing cars and model cars: the enormous demand in all areas shows how broad the interest in high-quality model making is. The shining eyes of the children underline the fact that INTERMODELLBAU has a magic all of its own. This enthusiasm secures our future. Our special thanks go to the dedicated clubs and associations whose commitment and passion make this trade fair a lively experience."

Thomas Schweichart, Managing Director, Veroma Modellbau GmbH:

"We have been an integral part of INTERMODELLBAU for over 20 years now. For us, the focus is on customer contact: it's about more than just selling - it's about experiencing model making together, about the amazement of looking at and touching models and the feeling of losing yourself in the love of detail. No online store can replace this tangible fascination. The informal conversations with passionate hobbyists who ask questions, give suggestions or simply exchange ideas about the latest highlights make INTERMODELLBAU a very special experience."

Steffen Stäbler, owner, s-idee:

"INTERMODELLBAU is not just about trade. Rather, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of model making - whether through thrilling shows, exciting events or the opportunity to try out products up close. The trade fair brings the diversity of model making to life and arouses the enthusiasm of both long-time fans and newcomers who are discovering the magic of this hobby for the first time."

Peter Kratz, Sales Manager, Klaus Krick Modelltechnik:

"You could almost say that we are a permanent fixture at INTERMODELLBAU - we have been a very happy exhibitor for many years. We meet exactly the right target group here, our customers. The response is impressive every year. This year, we were able to present a special novelty: our innovative Drago ship model."

Thorsten Rechthaler, Managing Director, aero-naut Modellbau GmbH & Co KG:

"We have been a consistent exhibitor at INTERMODELLBAU since it was founded - for us it is a fixed and indispensable part of the calendar. This year, we were able to present numerous new products in the field of model shipbuilding, including innovative accessories and exciting additions to our range. The crowds in the exhibition halls were enormous and the aisles were well attended throughout. INTERMODELLBAU is the central hub of the model ship scene."

Florian Giwanski, Head of Product Development & Plant Engineering, NOCH GmbH & Co:

"We are absolutely satisfied with the course of this year's INTERMODELLBAU. The flow of visitors, the discussions and also the sales continue to increase from year to year - the trade fair goes one better every time. As a long-standing exhibitor, we particularly appreciate the personal contact with our regular customers, but this year we were also pleased to welcome many new customers. An all-round successful trade fair."

Nadine Maiolo, Junior Manager, Beli-Beco e.K.:

"This year is our first time at INTERMODELLBAU - and it is also our first ever appearance at a B2C trade fair. So far we have only supplied the trade, but we are deliberately using the start of the trade fair to expand our sales model and sell directly to end consumers in future. INTERMODELLBAU offers the ideal platform for this. We meet exactly our target group here, can present our products in a direct exchange and receive valuable first-hand feedback. Our restructuring is extremely well received by visitors. We are delighted with the consistently positive response."

Markus Hönig, Sales Manager, Donau Elektronik GmbH:

"INTERMODELLBAU is an extremely important trade fair for us, especially due to the high number of visitors and the high-quality trade visitors. We are particularly pleased that many international guests are also represented, whom we can meet in person here. We use the trade fair specifically to present new products, such as our new abrasive paper backing this year. The direct exchange with visitors is extremely valuable for us, as the immediate feedback helps us to tailor our products even better to the needs of consumers."

Christian Rüland, Head of the trade fair team, freakware GmbH:

"We have been exhibiting at INTERMODELLBAU for around 15 years. This year we presented our new batteries and our latest helicopter models. Visitor interest was extremely high and demand exceeded our expectations. In the last days of the trade fair, the rush was so strong that we had to restructure our shelves several times in order to keep up with sales. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with how the trade fair went."

Christian Auerweck, Head of Commercial Product Management, Modelleisenbahn GmbH:

"As a long-standing exhibitor, INTERMODELLBAU is a firm fixture in our annual calendar. The trade fair offers an ideal platform for presenting our product range and introducing important new products. The high proportion of young visitors was particularly pleasing this year - a decisive factor for the future of our industry. The presence of international visitors is also of great importance to us, as it allows us to reach this market personally."

Christian Weiß, Sales and Marketing, Bachmann Europe Plc:

"We are represented at INTERMODELLBAU because we have had very good experiences with this trade fair in the past. As one of the largest events in the industry, it offers us the ideal platform to present our product diversity to a wide audience. The atmosphere at the trade fair was excellent and we were able to welcome numerous interested customers to our stand."

Andreas Braun, Marketing, Gebr. FALLER GmbH:

"INTERMODELLBAU is one of the most important trade fairs for us. The location and the catchment area are particularly relevant for our company, as we meet a large number of interested visitors here - exactly our target group. A major advantage of the trade fair is that we can maintain numerous customer contacts and make new ones within just a few days. This year, we presented our blast furnace for the first time, which fitted in well with the theme of the event. The direct feedback from visitors, which will influence production, was particularly valuable for us. INTERMODELLBAU was extremely helpful for us in this respect and showed how important direct interaction with the public is."

Sven Lenz, Product Manager, Wolfgang Lemke GmbH:

"INTERMODELLBAU is one of the most important trade fairs of the year. Here we can present our innovations and products directly to the end consumer. Once again this year, we presented an innovation that met with great interest. Above all, we are here to listen to the market and the trade fair offers the perfect platform for this. We will be back again next year!"

Roger Kettler, Head of Marketing, Carrera Revell GmbH:

"We are completely satisfied with INTERMODELLBAU in Dortmund - the feedback from our fans was very positive. We were particularly pleased with the enthusiastic response to our product highlights, especially the Bundesliga set, Carrera Hybrid and the various new products in the modelling sector. The trade fair has once again shown how much our new products inspire the community."

   
EXHIBITION AT GLANCE 

INTERMODELLBAU – WORLD’S LARGEST EXHIBITION FOR MODEL MAKING AND MODEL SPORTS

Once a year, the world’s largest exhibition for model making and model sports opens its doors to everyone interested in experiencing the world scaled down to miniature proportions. Here, a huge range of exhibitors, models, layouts and products from all over the world delight experienced model builders, new enthusiasts as well as the entire families. Whether it is aircraft, railways, boats, ships or cars – either working models or cardboard modelling – there is something for everyone. Visitors can also experience model making – literally – at first hand at Dortmund Exhibition Centre, as numerous hands-on activities, demonstrations and feature shows await them at INTERMODELLBAU.

DATE:

10 - 13 April 2025

ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund GmbH

VISITOR TARGET GROUPS:

experienced model builders as well as newcomers and families

EXHIBITORS:

Around 380 from 17 countries

VISITORS:

Around 61.000

SAVE THE DATE:

16 – 19 April 2026

PROGRAM:

Railroad modelling

·                   Numerous display layouts from home and abroad

·                   expert forum on model railways

·                   Junior College Europa

·                   ride on a mini steam train

 Model shipbuilding

·                   Demonstration of model ships in a 500-square-meter pool

·                   Captain's license for children

·                   Making mini-boats

·                   Exhibition of high-speed models

·                   Lighthouse Exhibition

Model vehicle construction

·                   DMC racing series

·                   DMC Race of Champions – race for young people

·                   Snow groomers obstacle course

·                   Truck models and off-road obstacle course

·                   Military model obstacle course

Model aircraft construction

·                   DMFV Junior Academy

·                   Model aircraft exhibition

·                   Flying zeppelin by DMFV

·                   Drone balls

Further highlights

·                   Cardboard model making incl. workshops

·                   Science fiction & fantasy models

·                   Fire brigade models and equipment

·                   Police models and equipment

·                   Funfair model making